Lok Sabha on Monday  enacted a bill that offers a mechanism to empower transgenders socially, economically and educationally. The 2019 Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill was enacted by a vote in the midst of loud demonstrations by some opposition parties over not being permitted to talk on its notice of adjournment.

Minister of State for Social Justice Rattan Lal Kataria replied on the bill that it provides for the formation of a domestic agency to protect transgenders ' freedoms.

The minister said there are more than 4.80 lakh transgenders in the nation according to the 2011 census. He said there are penalty and punishment clauses in the bill in cases of transgender offences and sexual harassment.